The Graduate Assistants Scheme is an initiative under the Lien Research Programme on Good Governance (LRPGG), spearheaded by the Nanyang Centre for Public Administration (NCPA) in collaboration with the Lien Ying Chow Legacy Fellowship. This scheme is designed to provide postgraduate students with a valuable platform to engage in high-impact research and academic activities. Through participation in cutting-edge projects and academic events, Graduate Assistants gain hands-on research experience, expand their professional networks, strengthen their research capabilities and analytical skills, and enhance their academic profiles. In addition to the aforementioned professional and academic benefits, the scheme provides eligible Graduate Assistants with financial support for completing certain assigned tasks on hourly basis. Most importantly, the scheme aims to cultivate a dynamic network of postgraduate students who contribute meaningfully to LRPGG’s research agenda while benefiting from enriching learning and professional development opportunities.

Graduate Assistants selected under this scheme will play a pivotal role in advancing LRPGG’s initiatives, including the Social Lab, internship programs, other good governance related research projects, and research events. Working closely with NCPA’s Research Fellows, their key responsibilities may include: conducting comprehensive literature reviews to support ongoing research; assisting in data collection, analysis, and synthesis; supporting the publication of research findings in various forms, including reports, conference papers, academic journals, opinion editorials, and book manuscripts; providing essential support for the maintenance and management of research data in compliance with Nanyang Technological University’s (NTU) Research Policy and Data Management Plan; handling ad-hoc administrative tasks related to research projects, such as compiling research reports, managing and monitoring research budgets, and overseeing travel arrangements for the research team; coordinating academic events hosted by NCPA or LRPGG, including conferences, seminars, and forums. Beyond these responsibilities, the scheme provides additional opportunities for professional and academic growth through collaborative initiatives. Graduate Assistants may have the chance to represent LRPGG at various academic engagements, such as conferences, summer schools and joint research projects with partner institutions. These engagements allow them to present their research, receive constructive feedback, and engage in interdisciplinary discussions with peers and academics worldwide.

In sum, this scheme not only provides Graduate Assistants with invaluable hands-on experience but also integrates them into the LRPGG and NCPA research ecosystem. By fostering a vibrant and collaborative research community among the Centre’s graduate students, this scheme represents a significant step toward advancing academic excellence and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

Interested students can apply to the scheme by emailing lien-rpgg@ntu.edu.sg with their CV. Applications will be assessed based on the relevance of the applicants’ research areas and their commitment to the work.